Top Places To Visit In Ooty For A First-Time Traveller

Located in the lush Nilgiris, Ooty makes for a perfect getaway this time of the year. Moreover, with pleasant weather and picturesque beauty, which also made for a perfect setting for Zoya Akhtar's latest "The Archies." Ooty in Tamil Nadu offers a range of attractions to explore. The stunning hill station has earned the title "Queen of Hill Stations." Take a look at these top 5 places to visit in Ooty:

Places To Visit In Ooty You Must Add To Your Bucket List

Government Botanical Garden

Established in 1897 by Marquis of Tweedale, the Government Botanical Garden is 2400-2500 meters above sea level and features 600 plant species. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Doddabetta peak and unique attractions such as the Cork tree, paperbark tree, monkey puzzle tree, 20-million-year-old fossil tree trunk, and Toda Mund or Toda Hill.

Ooty Lake

Built in 1824, the Ooty Lake is an impressive artificially constructed lake that spans over 65 acres. If you are looking for serene places to visit in Ooty, the lake is just the right spot. Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and dotted with green bushes along the shores, it's a must-visit destination in the Nilgiris district. Originally built for fishing, the lake was later transformed into a popular tourist park with various fun activities for visitors, such as renting bicycles to ride around the lake or taking a boat ride on its tranquil waters.

Avalanche Lake

Located over 20 km from Ooty town, Avalanche Lake is a natural freshwater body with crystal blue waters. It's one of the best camping spots in Ooty, with the lakeshore offering a stunning sunrise view over the misty mountains. The surrounding woods feature winding trails leading to some of Ooty's best-hidden gems. After the monsoon season, the lake is open for fishing. It is also one of the best camping spots in Ooty.

Doddabetta

Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in Tamil Nadu, translates to "big mountain" and is one of the best places to visit in Ooty. It is located between the Eastern and Western Ghats, making it the perfect destination to appreciate the breathtaking landscape of the Nilgiris in its entirety. With a challenging yet rewarding climb of almost 3 km, Doddabetta offers a bird's eye view of Ooty framed by the misty green hills of the Nilgiris. The long trail winding through grassy slopes is only interrupted by the foggy mountain breeze and culminates in an awe-inspiring view of Ooty set against the rolling Nilgiri hills.

Deer Park

Located in Udhagamandalam town and spreading over 22 acres, Deer Park is a tranquil spot near Ooty Lake and should definitely feature in your list of places to visit in Ooty. It hosts a large population of deer, including Sambar and Chital species. Inaugurated in 1986, the park is also a habitat for various bird species and rabbits. This high-altitude animal park is easily accessible by road and offers a peaceful escape in the heart of Ooty.